PREDICTED: Manchester United starting line-up vs Manchester City

We at The Busby Way cannot wait for the Manchester derby on Sunday, and we’ve compiled what we think will be the United XI for the big match.

United face City on Sunday

GK: David De Gea – This is a no brainer. The Spaniard is on fine form for the Red Devils and his eye-catching displays have caught the eye of La Liga giants Real Madrid.

LB: Luke Shaw – Shaw has been impressive at both attacking and defending in a United shirt, and the 19-year-old will no doubt be looking forward to being involved in his first Manchester derby.

CB: Marcos Rojo – The Argentinian defender has been somewhat inconsistent for the Red Devils since joining, with lapses in concentration causing goals to be conceded. But, we expect to see Rojo at the back, partnering Chris Smalling.

CB: Chris Smalling – Smalling looks set to partner Rojo in the heart of the United defence as a result of the vast injury list Louis Van Gaal faces in the defensive department. Smalling will have a tough test against the in-form Sergio Aguero.

RB: Rafael – We expect to see Rafael at right-back on Sunday with him seemingly being Van Gaal’s first-choice right-back at the club. The Brazilian defender will also have a tough task of trying to handle the intelligent runs of Manchester City midfielder David Silva.

CDM: Daley Blind – Blind looks set to play at the bottom of the midfield diamond and act as a protection to the backline. He will face a stern test against Manchester City’s midfield general Yaya Toure.

RM: Ander Herrera – When we say right-midfield, we mean the right side of the diamond midfield. Herrera has a significant opportunity to cement his spot in the Manchester United midfield if he impresses in such a high-profile game.

LM: Angel Di Maria – Manchester United simply need this player to have a chance of winning on Sunday. Di Maria is the first name on the team sheet after his electrifying performances thus far for United.

CAM: Juan Mata – We can see Mata being utilised in this game to try and thread killer through balls to the two United strikers. The Spanish midfielder will find it hard to get time on the ball at the Etihad on Sunday, but he finds his A-game there is no reason why he cannot excel in the derby.

ST: Wayne Rooney – Rooney will no doubt feature on Sunday, especially with Radamel Falcao being injured. Rooney must make sure he does not roam into the territory of attacking midfielder Juan Mata, otherwise Van Persie will find himself isolated upfront.

ST: Robin Van Persie – Van Persie will be looking to impress after a somewhat mediocre start to the Barclays Premier League season. Both RVP and Rooney face a sizebale task of getting past the physical presence of both Vincent Kompany and Eliaquim Mangala.